Eadial drilling machine



Sept. 4, 1923. 1,466,761 r I w. T. sEARsJ RADIAL DRILLING MACHINE Filed May 15 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 SIM/00411.02; 90 QTQXea/z/S.

Sept. 4, 1923. I 1,466,761

w, T. SEARS RADIAL DRILLING MACHINE lnnimunmmm may.

under a constant nits TT PATENT. ()FFME.

VIILLARD I. SEARS, OI TEONTCLAIE, NEW' JERSEY, ASSIGNOB TO NILES-BEIVIENT-POND COIVIJPANY; OF NE VI YORK, NVY A COPEORATIGIQ' OF NEJV JERSEY.

niinrsi. DRILLING MACHINE.

To. all whom it may concern: a

Be'it known thatl, WILLARD T. SEARS, a citizen of 1' the United: States, residing. at h lontclai-r, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new 7 of a modified form of the invention.

and useful improvements in Radial Drilling Machines, of which the following is a specification. I I

This invention relates to drilling machines c-f'theradial'typ'e wherein a drill-supporting arm is \fertica'lly adjustably supported on a column, such arm being adapted to be adjusted about the axis of the column as a center and to be secured rigidly" to the base of the machine during the drilling operation. i l

It is an object of the invention to provide improved means forclainping the arin of a drilling machine in its adjusted position about the axis of the column during the drilling. operation. Y

Another object'of the "invention is to provide an arm and column clamping means which while in clamping position is held tension tending to tighten the clamp.

More specifically it is an object of the in vention to provide an arm: and column clamping means, an electric operating mo tor therefor and a motor controlling switch which in its openposition is adapted to leave areduced amount o-fcurrent on the motor tending to tighten the. clamping means. 7

Another object of the invention resides in providing ing operation for holding the clamping means under a constantvclamping tension during the drilling operation.

Further and more specific objects of the apparent the construction wherein suiiicieiit energy is stored up during the initial clamp- Application filed May 15, 1929. Serial No. 381,556.

nections forcontrolling the main and clamping motors.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the clamping motor switch shown in Fig. 5.

i Fig. 7n a fragmentary horizontal section Fig. 8 is a cross section thereof on the line 8-.8 of Fig. 7.

is Fig. 9 18 a fragmentary horizontal section of another modified form of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a cross section thereof on the line 10-1O of Fig. 9.

Drilling machines, when in operation, are

subjected. to considerable vibration which tends to loosen the clamping means holds ing the drill arm in the working position to which it has been previously adjusted. One

object of the present invention is to provide is immediately taken up with the result that the drill arm and column are always held securel clam 38d during the entire ooer a y i ation of the inac'hine. V

R6l81Tlil more sieciiicall to'the drawm .1 V lugs and particularly to the construction illustrated in Fig. 1, i. represents the base of the drilling machine supported on a bed 2. Mounted upon the base for movement about a vertical axis is 'a column 3. Pref erahly this. column is divided or formed in two parts as shown in my Patent 1.071.590, dated August 26th, 1913. Supported on the column and vertically movable with respect thereto is a horizontal arm along which is slidable a saddle 5 carrying head pro- :rided with a rotatable drill spindle 6. Preferaoly'the arm 4 or a carrying member therefor extends through the column betweenthe two parts thereof and directly supports a'gear casing 'T' and an electric motor 8. From the motor 8 power is transmitted-through gearing in the casing 7 to the main power shaft 9 extending longitustituti'ng vertical drive shaft.

dinally oi the arm and thence to the spindle 6. The mechanisms thus far described do not of themselves constitute any part of the present invention and they can be consioen ably modified as required.

The column 3 preferably is provided with an Xtension 10 which projects downward into the base parts 2 and 1. This extension is engaged by two bearings which serve to hold the column in axially fixed position and which at the same ime permit turning movement. At 11 there is a roller bearing interposed between the extension 10 and the upper, part of the base section 2. A 12 there is a roller bearing interposed between the lower end of the extension 10 and a cupped plate 13 secured to the lower base section 1. V

For carrying the. weight of the column and associated parts during turning movement, I provide a series of centrally disposed devices. As illustrated, there is an antifriction column support in the form of a ball thrust bearing 1% which rests upon the before mentioned plate 13. Engaging the top race of the ball bearing is a vertical tube 15, this tube extending through a cen tral aperture in the projection. 10 and being freely movable therein. Supported on the top of the tube 15 is a coil spring 16 and this coil spring in turn supports a second vertical tube 1'7. The tube 17 its top engages a bushing 18 which has threaded engagement with the column.

The spring 16 suiiiciently powerful to arry the entire weight of thecolu and associated parts when the clamping; mecha nism is released. Th bottom oi, the column 3 is provided with horizontal surface 19 adapted under certain condit us to engage a horizontal surface 20 on the top of the base section 2. In assembling. the surfaces 19 and 20 will be initially in contact. The bushing: 18 is'then turned so as to transfer the weight of the column from the base 2 to the vertical tube 1'? and thence to the spring 16 and the ball bearing 14;. The column is thus supported with the surfaces 19 and 20 entirely out of engagement; This construction is similar in p-rinci 'ile to that described in my Patent No. 1.376 169, dated April 26th, 1921, but is different in certain im portant respects. One feature of difference is that the several columu-supporting devices are so constructed and arranged as to leav an unobstructed central vertical apertur through the base and the lower part of th; column. Under some circumstances it i. desirable to modify the drive mechanism by omitting the electric motor 8 and by sub The construction described makes it possible for the vertical drive to be put in place in the central vertical up. ure referred to.

The positions and relative weights of the motor and of the arm together with the saddle and drill head are such that under ordinary conditions the resultant center of gravity is approximately at the center of the column and therefore vertically above the ball bearing 14%. ll ith the surfaces 19 and 20 out of engagement and with the wei 'ht of the parts substantially balanced on the bearing let, it is possible to swing the column and arm very easily. Alter the arm has been swung to the desired position the column is clamped by the mechanism to be now described. The clamping mechanism is vertically acting viz, applies pressure to the column downward in opposition to the spring, thus forcing the surface 19 into a' direct clampin engagement with the sur face- 20.

Carried by the extension 10 near the bottom thereof, is a ring 21 having a clownward and outward inclined upper surface. Preferably the ring is provided with spaced notches 22, 22 and the extension 10 is provided with similarly spaced lugs 23, 23. In assembling the notches 2-2 o1 the ring are brought in o alinement with the lugs 23, 23 of the projection, thus permitting the ring to be moved upward to the level shown. Then the ring is turned so that the parts thereof between the notches will rest upon the lugs. For holding the ring in this position there is provided a key 2% engaging a heyway in the extension 10.

The base section 2 is provided with an inwardly extending flange 25 having a horizontal bottom surface positioned immediately above the top surface of the ring 21. lnterposed between the ring 21 and the flange 25 is a split ring 26 having bottom and top surfaces adapted respectively to enthe too surface of the ring 21 and the bottom surfac-e'oi": the Preferably;

shown. the top surface of the ring 21 is cut away at opposite quadrants so that there i l he contact between the ring 21 and the ring 26 only at the remaining quadrants 27 and 27. A. lug on the base section 2 projects into a notch in the ring 26 to prevent the ring "from. turning. The ring 26 carries two apertured ears 29 and 30 through which extends a threaded rod 31. A pin 32 and a screw .32 projecting througha slot in the rod and into a sleeve thereon prevents the rod 81 from turning. At one end the rod 81 is engaged by a'threaded handle 33 and at the other end it is engaged by a threaded sleeve 3- this slee e being: adapted to be on 1 erated by a clamping motor 35 as shown in the arawing. The split clamping ring can therefore be operated either by the handle 33 or by power means as the motor As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. the clamping motor 35 is mounted on the machine on which also mounted a bearing: 36 for the worm wheel 37. The worm wheel is lit) driven by a worm 37 on the motor shaft,

as illustrated. The hub 38 of the worm wheel is recessed to, receive therein the threaded clamping sleeve 34: and its co-operating parts- This sleeve is splined for long itudinal movement within the hub 38 and between the end thereof and a bushingand nut 39 on the extension 40 ofthe rod 31 is interposed a compression spring 41.

during the unclamping operation of the motor. The motor 35 is operated in a forward direction to turn the threaded sleeve 34: and clamp the column in working position." This clamping operation is allowed tocontinueuntil the motor becomes stalled,

stopped byaany other desired means. It

should, of course, be understood that the invention in its broad aspect also contemplates the use of the clamping mechanism without leaving any 'electrlc current on the motor after the clamp hasbeen'set to its clamping position. The mechanicalconnection, coznprising-the worm and worm wheel and clamping screw, makes such operation posslble since such construction prevents the clam Jinn mechanism from becomin loose or the motor from rotating. backwardly when the electric current is turned off the motor.

In Figs. 5 and 6 I have diagrammatically illustrated the electrical connections, for con trolling themain mot-or Sandth'e clamping motor 35. 42 andi3 respectively illustrate the main motor switch and :the clamping motor switch. A and B represent the terminals from which source theelectrical en ergy is received. The terminal B is con nected directly to the main motor while the terminal A passes through'the main switch 42 which controls the operation of themain motor through the rheostat 42 thereof. C and D representthecircuit to the clamping motor. In order to avoid the possibilityof accidentally leavingthe circuit to the clamping; motor closed when the, operator is throughwith the machine, Ipreferably pass the connection C k of the clamping motor through the mam motor switch 1n such man ner thatelectric current is delivered to the clamping motor only when. the'main motor switch is closed. As illustrated, this construction comprises a. contact sector 44- adapted to be engaged bya contact piece e t onthe lever ofthe main switch 42.

1 The clampingswitch 43 comprises a base This J spring serves as a cushion or shock absorber and four pairs of poles a, a, b, b, 0, c, and

(Z, d mounted thereon and a double switch knife pivoted to the poles at and a and com-' prising a pair of knives e and a pair of knives f, the latter also serving as a handle for the switch. The switch is normally held in an open position, as illustrated in Fig. 6, by means of the springs g, g. The terminals C and D enter the clamping switch at the poles a, a and the other poles are. con nected to the clamping motor terminals, as

illustrated-in the drawing, in the following manner: When the knives c are engaged with the poles 7), b the current passes directly to the clamping motor through the poles 0;, a, knives e, poles b b and wires E and F. When the knives f are engaged with the poles (Z, cl the current passes reve-rsely to the motor through the poles a, a, knives f,

poles Z), I) (through the crossed wires :11, 0a) and wires E and F. 'VVhen the switch is in theintermediate position, illustrated in Fig. 6, the current passes directly to the motor through the poles at, 0,, knives f, poles c, c, poles Z), 6 (through the resistance coil X and wire w) and wires E and F. To clamp the drill arm and column, the motor is operated directly through the poles 7), b. and

after the clamping operation is completed andv the motor is. stalled; the clamping switch is thrown to the open position illustrated in Fig.6 wherein the current passes through the resistance coil X and continues directly to the motor but in reduced amount,

- which causes a clamping tension onthe mo tor tending at-all timesto take upany looseness in the clamping parts and hold the arm and column securely clamped.

In Fig. 7, I have illustrated amodified form ofmy invention. In this construction,I p-rovide a frictional drive for the threaded clamping sleeve 3 Such mechanism herein comprises aworm wheel 4L5 frictionally mounted between a shoulder 46 on the rotary driving hub 46 and a slidable sleeve d7 thereon. By means of a spring 4/7 and its adjusting collar 47* the sleeve is held in the desired frictional contact with the worm wheel. This construction is otherwise like that illustrated in Fig. 3 wherein the threaded sleeve 34 is driven by lugs 34 engaging longitudinal grooves "in the hub 46. Insteadof stalling the motorv as in the above described construction the motoris allowedto run, preferably at a reduced speed,*fwhile the drill arm and columniare clamped and drilling-operations are beingperformed. The clamping tension vof the springflemay be regulated to the proper] ension to firmly clamp thearin and 'col umn and the constant rotation of the worm wheel 4L5'tends at all times to'. take up any looseness in the clamping inechanismnnd hold the armandcolumn securely clamped.

In Fig. 8, I have illustrated another form of the invention wherein means is provided for storing up suliicient energy during the initial clamping operation for holding the clamping means under a constant clamping tension during the drilling operation. This means preferably comprises aspring as illustrated. The worm wheel 48 herein is recessed very similarly to that shown in A'i element- 49 is splined within the worm wheel hub and such element is itself recessed at to receive the threaded clamping sleeve 50 therein. The sleeve 50 has an annular fiangeol thereon, and a cap 52 about the sleeve and abutting against the outer face of this flange is secured to the outer end of the element 49 whereby the element and sleeve 50 are held in a rela-' tivcly tiXed position longitudinally. Between the flange 51 and the bottom of the recess the element 49 and sleeve 50 are provided with inwardly and outwardly e1;- te. ding and respectively. A tension i 55 surrounds the sleeve and l as its ends secured to the element 49 and the sleeve 50 respectively.

In operation, rotation of the worm wheel 48 in the forward direction first operates to rotate the threaded clamping sleeve 50 through the spring When the resistance oi'lcred by the clamping mechanism is sutiicient, the element l9 rotates relatively to the sleeve 50 whereby the spring is wound up and placed under tension tending to rotate the sleeve 50 in a forward and clamping direction. After nearly a complete relative rotation of the element 49, the lug thereon comes into contact with the lug 54c on the cove and positively completes the clamping operation which is preferably continued until the motor becomes stalled. lhe eurmay and preferably is then turned eniiy oii the motor which through the worm .d worm wheel 4:8 holds the elements in the .mpin; position. The spring 55 being under tension constantly tends to tighten the threaded clam iing sleeve whereby any loosencss is immediately taken up and the column firmly held in clamping position.

hat I claim is: Y

1. lo a drilling machine, the combination o'l abuse, a column supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the arm. clamping mechanism for securing the are from rotatiton relative to the base, and continuous rotary power means including a rotary power shaft operativcly connected to the clamping mechanism for operating and holding the same under a clamping tension tending to tighten the clamp when in its clamping position.

i 2. In a drilling machine, thc combination of a base, a. column supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, diilling mechanism carried by the arm,

clamping mechanism comprising srew means for securing the arm from rotation relative to the base and continuous rotary power meansincluding a rotary power shaft operatii'ely connected to the screw means for operating and holding the same under a clamping tension tending to tighten the screw means and clamp when in the clamping position.

3. in a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a column rotatably supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the arm, clamping mechanism for securing the column from rotation on the base, a rotary motor for operating the clamping mechanism, and means whereby the motor holds the clamping mechanism under clamping tension tending to tighten the clamp when in its clamping position.

l. in drilling machine, the combination oi base, a column supported thereon, an

horizontally from the column, V n'ism carried by the arm, clampingmechanism comprising screw meansfor securing the arm from rotation relative to the base, a rotary motor for operating the screw means, and means whereby the motor holds the clamping mechanism under a clamping tension tending to tighten the screw means and clamp when in the clamping position.

5. In a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a column si'ipported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column. drilling mechanism carried by the arm, clamping mechanism comprising screw for securing the arm from rotation relative to the base, a rotary motor, a mechanical connection between the motor and screw means comprising a worm on the motor shaft engaging a worm wheel operatively connected to the screw means, and means whereby the motor holds the clamping mechanism under a clamping tension tending to tighten the-clamp when in the clamping position.

6. In a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a column rotatably supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the arm, a clamping ring surrounding the column and adapted to secure the column from rotation on the base,soperating means engaging the ends of the ring, a rotary motor for operating the said means, and means whereby the motor holds the operating means under a clamping tension tending to tighten the operating means and ring'when in the clamping position. i

7. In a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a column rotatably supported ing the column and adapted to secure the from the column, drilling mechanism carcolumn from rotation on the base, screw means engaging ends of the ring, a'rotary motor for operating the screw means, and means 'whereby the motor holds the screw means under a clamping tensiontending to tighten thescrew means and ring when in the clamping position.

= 8. In a drilling machine, the combination of a base,ia column rotatably supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column drllling mechanism carried by the arm, and means ncluding a rotary electric motor for clamping the column against rotation on the base, the motor being automatically stopped when the clamping means has been drawn tightly into its clamping position, I

9. In a d 'illing machine, the combination of a base, a, column rotatably supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carriedby the arm, clamping mechanism for securing the column from rotation on the base, a rotary motor for operatlng the clamping mechanism, and amechanical connectionbe .tween the motor and the g, clamplng mechanism whereby the clamping mechanism when drawn tightlyinto its clamping position stalls the motor. I I

10. In a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a column rotatably supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the arm, clamping mechanism for securing the column against rotation, on the base, a rotary motor,'-and a mechanical con nection between the motor and clamping mechanism, the mechanical connectionbeing of such construction that the-clamping mechanism cannot become loose or rotate the motor backward when lth'e electric current is turned ofi the'motor. b I

11. In a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a column rotatably supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the arm, clamping mechanism for securing the column againstrotation on the base, rotary motor, and a mechanical connection comprising a worm and worm wheel between the motor and the clamping mechanism.

12. In a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a column rotatably supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the] arm, clamping mechanism for securing the, column from rotation on the base, a rotary motor for operating the clamping mechanism, and a resilient mechanical connection between the motor and the clamping mechanism. I e

13. Ina drilling machine,the combination of a base, a; column rotatably supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally ried by the arm, clamping mechanism comprising screw means for securing the column non-rotatably to the base, rotary power means for operating the screw means, and

means whereby the screw means inclamping position is held under clamping tension less than the normal operative strength of the power means. 7

14: In a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a column supported thereon, an QIIHPIOjBCtlIlg horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the arm, clamping mechanism for securing the arm from rotation relative to the base, a rotary motor for operating the clamping mechanism and a motor controlling switch adapted in its open positionto leave areduced amount of current on the motor motor whereby the clamping screw means is held under a clamping tension tending to tighten'the screw means andclamp when the column is non-rotatably secured to the base.

16. In adrilling machine, the combination of aibase, a column rotatably' supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by 1 the arm, clamping mechanism for securing the column from rotation on the base, a rdtary motor for operating the clamping mechanism, and a spring interposed between the mot-or and the clamping mechanism whereby during the initial clamping operation su'llicient energy is stored in the spring to hold the clamp tightly engagedduring the drilling operation.

17. In a drilling machine, thecombination of a base, a column supportedthereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the arm, clamping mechanism comprising screw 'means for securing the arm tromrotation relative to the base, a rotary motor for op erating the screw means, and a spring interposed between the motor and screw means whereby during the initlal clamping operainterposed be ween and harm tion of be,

, column supported thereon.

an arm projecting horizontally from the clamping operation suliicient Clio-"Ky i ed in the spring to hold the screw means 0 it'ly engaged and. under a clamping ten sion during the drilling operation. 7

19. In a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a coin an supported thereon. an arm projecting horizontally from the column, nice ianism carried the arm, clamping ism cmnprising screw means for secur arm lronrrotation relatire to the b e, a rotary i'notor ior operating the screw means, a mechanical connec- 'tion between the motor and the screw means comprising worm on the motor shaft engaging a worm wheel operatively connected to the screw means, the connection between the worm wneel and the screw means comprising a lug on the screw means adapted to be engaged and driven by a lu operated from the worm wheel, and a spring interposed between and having its ends respectively connected to the worm wheel and the screw means, whereby during the initial clamping operation, sullicient energy is st "red in the spring to hold the screw means ti htly engaged and under a clamping ten"- cion during drilling operation.

20. Ina crilling machine, the combina tion of a base, a column supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the arm, clamping mechanism comprising screw means for securing the arm from rotation relative to the base, a rotary motor for operating the screw means, a. mechanical con nection between the motor and the screw means comprising a worm on the motor shaft. engaging a worm wheel operatively connected to the screw means, av member mounted on the screw means and splined to the worm wheel, such member and screw means having inwardly and outwardly extending lugs respectively adapted to engage and drive the screw means, and spring coiled around the screw means and having its ends respectively connected to the worm wheel and the screw means whereby during the initial clamping oper-ation-,'before the said lugs engage to drive the screw means positively, su'liicient energy is stored in the spring to hold the screw means tightly en- ,main

j d and under a clamping tension during the drilling operation.

21. In a drilling machine, the combina tion or a base, a column supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried the arm, clamping mechanism for securi the arm from rotation rola etc the base, a motor for operating the drilling mechanism, a clamping motor for operating the clamping mechanisnne swi ch to: controlling the main motor, a tch for controlling the clamping motor, and connections between the switches whereby when the main s itch is open the circuitto the clampswitch is also open;

22. in a drilling machine, the tion of a base, a column rotatatdy s thereon, an arm projecting no from the column, drilling mechan rie-d by the arm, clamping means surrou dcombinaing the column and having the en s thereof operating the screw m'ee operatirely connected to tie a such means being adapted to be operated by either the motor or the handle to secure the column and base from relative rotary movement.

23. In a drilling machine, the oombination of a base, a column rotatably supported thercon,l an arm projecting horizontally from the colurhmdrilling mechanism carried by the arm, clamping means surrounding the column and having the ends thereoi engaged by screw means comprising a non rotary screwrwith a clamping nut at each end thereof, a motor operatively connected to one clamping nut, and a handle operatively connected to the other cl mping nut, the clamping means being adapted to be operated by either the motor or hadle to secure the column and base from relative rotary movement.

24. In a drilling machine, the combination or" a base, a column rot-atably suppor ed thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the arm, clamping meanssurrounding the column and having the ends thereof engaged by a non-rotary screw, s power driven nut threaded on the screw, and a com: pression spring between the outer end of the nut and the outer end of the screw adapted to cushion the momentum of the operating parts in the unclamping operation.

25. In a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a column rotatably supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, drilling mechanism carried by the arm,- means normally raising the column from direct engagement withthe base, a rotary motor, a clamping mechanism comprising screw means adapted to be operated by the motor for drawing the column into direct engagement with the base and for securing the column from rotation on the base, and means whereby the motor during the initial clamping operation stores up sui'licient energy to hold the screw means under a clamping tension tending to tighten the screw means and clamp when in the clamping position.

26. In a drilling machine, the combination of a base, a column rotatably sup-- ported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally tromgt ie column, drilling mechanism carr by the arm, resilient means normally raising tie column from direct engagement with the base, clamping mechanism comprising a clamping ring surrounding the column and having the ends thereof connected by screw means for securing the column non base, and means whereby the motor during the initial clamping operation stores up sufhcient energy to hold the screw-means under a clamping tension tending to tighten the screw means and ring when in the clamp ingposition. V

27. In a drilling machlne, the combina tion of a'base, a column rotatably supported thereon, an arm projecting horizontally from the column, d illing mechanism carried by the arm, a compression spring inter posed between the column and base and adapted to normally raise the column from lirect supporting engagement with the base, clamping mechanism comprising a clamping ring surrounding the column and having the ends thereof connected by screw means for securing the column non-rotatably to the base, a rotary motor for operating the screw means to draw the column into engagement with the base against the actionot the spring and to secure the column from rotation on the base, and means whereby sutficient energy is stored up during the clamping operation to hold the screw means in clamping position under a clamping tension less than the normal operating strength of the motor. In test mony whereof, I hereto ailiX my signature.

WILLARD T. SEARS. 

